I glance at the man who’s been a pain in my ass for the past week. He smirks at me and crams a whole cookie in his mouth. Crumbs fall from his mouth, landing on his pristine shirt. With his mouthful, he smiles like the devil he is and says, “Last one.”
My leg twitches. It’s taking all I have to stay in this recliner. I want to launch myself at him and beat the bloody cookie right out of his pretty-boy mouth. I didn’t know it was possible to hate someone so much. But yes. It is. Washington’s own golden boy is my own form of hell.
He moans loudly in obvious pleasure. Whether it’s from knowing he pissed me off or the six delicious cookies he just put down, I don’t know. All the same, hate brews in my gut. When he brushes the crumbs onto the floor, my patience flies out the window. I lunge for the remote.
“What the fuck?” He’s on his feet quickly, reaching around my back, seeking the black controller.
Taking a step back, I smirk. Game on, dick.
“Give it back,” he demands loudly. Probably hoping Commander will hear.
“Here’s the thing, champ.” I spit the word “champ” like it’s yesterday’s vomit. “Since neither of us is going anywhere, it’s best we get this shit squared away.”
Theo’s arms have folded in, resting against his chest, his eyes steaming with hatred. He is not my biggest fan, that’s obvious. But you know what? I don’t give a fuck. I’m no cheerleader of his, either.
“I’m not leaving.” Tucking the remote in my waistband, I take a step closer. “I owe Anniston and I’m not leaving until she asks me to. So how about you get over yourself and grow a pair?”
His eyes grow narrower and he takes a step closer, like we’re repeating the grocery store incident.
“She’s mine,” he growls. It would be funny if he didn’t look like he was a second from murder.
“Does she know that?” It’s poking the bear. This little motherfucker needs to be put in his place. Anniston belongs to no man. That much is obvious. Granted, she and Theo have some kind of relationship. I just haven’t quite figured out what kind exactly. Is it trainer and player? Best friends? Fuck buddies? Boyfriend, girlfriend? I need more time to figure it out, but I’m not letting this asshole intimidate me in the meantime.
His chest is heaving. I don’t think I have seen him this quiet before. “Yes, she does.”
“Hmm. Well, could have fooled me.” I give him a little smirk, shrug and start to walk away. But I’m not able to leave it at that. “You might want to step up your game then because I’m on deck and I never miss.”
Before I realize what he’s doing, he charges me and takes me to the floor. Something breaks. We’re rolling around on the floor exchanging body shots like a couple of heathens.
“Fuck you!” Theo snarls as he hurls a blow to my ribs.
Pain shoots through my side. Did he just fucking break a rib? I dislodge my arm that he pinned and strike him in the lower back. He doesn’t even grunt.
Damn. For a pro athlete, he sure knows how to handle himself. I’m impressed. Reaching around to try to flip him, I’m shocked with a blast of freezing water. “Ahhhh!”
“Ans!” Theo’s hold releases and we jump up, trying to avoid the freezing spray.
“You assholes want to act like dogs then you’ll be treated as such.” Anniston is fuming at the kitchen sink, armed with the sprayer.
I clear the water from my eyes and brave a look at her.
“You have some left over energy, Major?” She points the sprayer directly at me.
Oh shit. This is not looking good.
The sprayer pivots in Theo’s direction. “How bout you, Theo? You need a release?”
Theo shakes his head slowly. He looks like a kid about to be sent to his room.
Anniston grabs the hand towel and throws it at me. “Clean this up and change. I want you both outside in five minutes.” She heads outside without another word.
“Fuck me,” Theo groans and runs his hands through his hair. “Just great. Way to go asshole.”
“Me?” I scoff. “You started it.”
“Whatever. She’s about to kill us both now.”
I nod and start wiping up the water. Theo grabs another towel from the drawer and helps.
